Assessment Rationale:

Damaeus pomboi is an endemic species of the Azores (Portugal), known from the islands of S. Jorge, Terceira, S. Miguel and Sta. Maria. From the available data, it has a relatviely small Extent of Occurrence (17,258 km2 ), and a limited Area of Occupancy (72 km2 ), but these are likely underestimates, as this species probably has a wider distribution through the soil component of the islands. It can be assumed that this species is affected by human activities and invasive plant species that alter the natural structure and composition of the soil. Future climatic changes and increased risk of droughts will also affect this species. The present situation of this species needs to be further assessed and further research is needed into its population, distribution, threats, ecology and life history. However, despite the incomplete knowledge regarding this species population, distribution, threats and ecology, this species is unlikely to warrant listing under the most threatened Red List categories. Pending further information, the number of locations could be said to be relatively small, and so the species can be precautionarily assessed as Near Threatened. Conservation of natural habitats and invasive species control could potentially aid this species conservation. 

Geographic Range:

Damaeus pomboi is an Azorean-endemic oribatid mite species known from S. Jorge, Terceira, S. Miguel and Sta. Maria islands (Azores, Portugal) (Borges et al. 2010), known from several natural and disturbed areas and also in the lava cave of Algar das Bocas do Fogo, in S. Jorge. It is present in four Natural Forest Reserves; Biscoito da Ferraria and Caldeira Sta. Bárbara e Mistérios Negros (Terceira), Pico da Vara (S. Miguel) and Pico Alto (Sta. Maria). From the available data, the Extent of Occurrence (EOO) would be ca. 17,258 km² and the Area of Occupancy (AOO) would be 72 km².

Population:

No current population size estimates exist for this species. This species occurs on several islands and as an oribatid mite, it is likely common and widespread in the soil habitat. Current Population Trend: Unknown.

Habitat and Ecology

The ecology and traits of this species are unknown. Oribatid mites are associated with organic matter in most terrestrial ecosystems, being found throughout the soil profile, in surface litter, on grasses, shrubs or in the bark and leaves of trees, among other habitats. Oribatida are also one of the most numerically dominant arthropod groups in the organic horizons of most soils (Behan-Pelletier 1999). This species has been collected mainly in native vegetation areas, but also in disturbed sites or in the vicinity of urbanised areas, being present in the leaf litter of native and exotic trees and bushes. It was also collected from native vegetation in the entrance of the lava cave of Algar das Bocas do Fogo. Systems: Terrestrial.

Major Threat(s):

A lack of information regarding the present range of this species, precludes an assessment of potential threats. Nevertheless, it can be assumed that this species will be affected by future habitat declines as a consequence of climate change (Ferreira et al. 2016) and increased droughts. This species has been found in areas of native vegetation but also in disturbed areas. Other factors that degrade habitat quality, in the form of changes in the soil structure and composition, namely land use changes, agricultural practices, urbanisation, pesticides and nutrient loads or invasive plants might also affect this species. 

Conservation Actions

The species is not protected by regional law. Part of its habitat is in regionally protected areas (Natural Parks of Terceira, S. Miguel and Sta. Maria). Besides climate change and increased risk of droughts, land-use changes and invasive species are likely one of the main current and future threats faced. As such, conservation of native habitats and invasive species control could potentially aid this species' conservation. Further research is needed into its population, distribution, threats, ecology and life history; and it is also necessary to develop a monitoring plan for the invertebrate community in order to contribute to the conservation of this species.